The Ospreys team to play Harlequins at St Helens, Swansea, on Friday 11th November 2016, KO 7.35pm UK, is as follows:
15 Dafydd Howells
14 Tom Grabham
13 Joe Thomas
12 Jonathan Spratt
11 Tom O’Flaherty
10 Luke Price
9 Matthew Aubrey
1 Gareth Thomas
2 Scott Otten
3 Rhodri Jones
4 James Ratti
5 Rory Thornton
6 Rob McCusker (Capt)
7 Joe Tomalin-Reeves
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Hugh Gustafson
17 Rowan Jenkins
18 Dan Suter
19 Rhys Jones
20 Sam Underhill
21 Phil Jones
22 Kieran Williams
23 Jay Baker
James Ratti, Joe Tomalin-Reeves, Matthew Aubrey and Tom O’Flaherty make their Ospreys debuts
Luke Price, Joe Thomas and Rhodri Jones make their first Ospreys start
Rowan Jenkins, Rhys Jones, Phil Jones, Kieran Williams and Jay Baker will make their Ospreys debuts if they come off the bench
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“This competition provides a great opportunity for the next generation of Ospreys to show what they are capable of, training and playing over a two week period with some senior boys against quality opposition.
“Likewise in the coaching staff, with Richard Fussell and Tom Smith getting some hands on experience day to day, since this competition became a development focused one, it’s been good to us as Ospreys in terms of who has come through and used it as a stepping stone towards really establishing themselves.
“We know Harlequins will provide a real challenge and, whatever side they select, will be physical and well organised, like any Premiership side in England are, with threats right across the field. We’ve got to enjoy the challenge. We’ve got plenty of potential in our line-up, players who have excelled at their clubs or within regional age-grade, but there is a sprinkling of experience and proven quality to hold it together.
“Another thing this competition allows us to do is get to play games at some of the old club grounds. Going back to Swansea RFC is a landmark for us, it’s been more than 11 years. I played here for two seasons as an Osprey, including the last game in 2005 and have some good memories. Going back there gives some of these youngsters a chance to make their own memories, for themselves, their friends and families to enjoy.
“They know the standards expected of them as Ospreys, that never changes regardless of who is in the shirt, so it’s about who can perform for their region on Friday night.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 18 Nov – 7.15pm – Cardiff Blues v Ospreys – BT Sport CAP – Anglo-Welsh Cup
Fri 25 Nov – 7.35pm – Glasgow v Ospreys – Scotstoun – PRO12
Fri 2 Dec – 7.35pm – Ospreys v Edinburgh – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Thursday 8 Dec – 8.45pm (Local) – Grenoble v Ospreys – Stade Des Alpes - ERCC